Got my eye on CCRN, but intrigued by Trauma...

[phoenixfire]

Hi all... I've been hooked on this site since nursing school, but now I have a different dillema... I'm learning to be a critical care nurse, with an eye towards CCRN sometime in the next few years, but a few days ago, I happened to be the first person on site after a really bad car wreck. I rendered what aid I could, helped the EMT's as much as I was able, but I was fascinated with the experience. I love my job in the ICU, but I am considering cross training to trauma. For those trauma nurses out there, what advice would you give me? The crew chief at the wreck asked me after the Care Lifted the pt to a hospital asked "Wanna go to another wreck?" and he was serious! I'm intrigued with the idea, but haven't been able to find any information on RN's who also can do Paramedic stuff. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[edogs334]

If you're looking into going into critical care transport or flight nursing, here are some useful websites you many want to check out:

Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association:

Air Surface Transport Nurses Assoc. | ASTNA

Flight Web:

FlightWeb - For Air Medical Professionals

Flight Web also has a links page with local flight and transport programs for each state:

FlightWeb - For Air Medical Professionals

You might want to find a local flight or transport program and ask about what their requirements are as far as training and experience. Most programs that I'm aware of (I'm getting ICU experience in the hopes of doing CCT one day) require at least 3-5 years of ICU and/or ER experience. If you want to get prehospital experience (in addition to working in the ICU), taking an EMT-B class would be a good way to start- go to NREMT - State EMS Agency Information

to find your state EMS office (which would have info on EMT classes in your area).

[arabianeyez83]

ER might be a good place to start, if you have a level 1 trauma center in ur area that would be the best place to go cuz u would see all kinds of traumas.